Kochi: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau probing the assets case registered against former minister K. Babu has sent a letter to the registration department IG seeking the details of the wealth of Babu and his alleged benamis. The Vigilance sought the details of the assets of Babu, his wife and their children. The agency also sought the details of Baburam and Mohanan, two known associates of Babu. The police had unearthed more than 236 records from the raid conducted by VACB.
The VACB's move is to verify the assets declared by Babu and the details collected by them during the raid. “It’s a common practice adopted by the Vigilance while proceedings with the investigation. We collect details from every department, including the Commissionerate of land revenue,” a top Vigilance source said. The Vigilance made Babu the first accused in the case and named his alleged benamis as other accused.
The Vigilance in its FIR stated that Babu had real estate deals and bought 120 acres of land in Theni, Tamil Nadu, and a luxury sedan worth Rs 45 lakh. The Vigilance team headed by VACB Central Zone, superintendent of police (SP) T. Narayanan conducted the raids. Similar raids were carried out on the residences of Babu's daughter Athira in Palarivattom, Aiswarya in Thodupuzha, his aide and real estate dealer Baburam in Kumbalam and another aide Mohanan, who is the proprietor of Royal Bakers in Tripunithura.
Baburam denies links with Babu
P.S. Baburam, the alleged benami of former minister K. Babu, has denied any connection with him. “I have no business or personal dealings with Babu. My relatives also have no connection with him,” Baburam said in a press release. Baburam said that the VACB had not unearthed a single document to prove the connection as alleged. The reports linking him with Babu were created by persons having vested interests.
“I have a proven track record, For the past 25 years I have been conducting genuine business. I have records to prove that. The records seized from my house and offices will give a clear picture of my business dealings and my connections,” the press release said. “I don't need the backing of any politician of any political party,” he added. Baburam claimed that the records seized by VACB were nothing but the receipts of his children’s school fees and others.
